Tips for Winter Scootering!

wearelopey

wearelopey

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Ok so I know it's early, but ever since last winter I've been interested in simply transferring my motorcycle insurance over to a scooter for winter riding. I feel gas and maintenance would be cheaper than riding the ttc everyday... And even if it isn't I still love the thought of riding on 2 wheels year round.


So, What tips do you have?

I'm thinking of getting either a Yamaha BW125S or a Vino 125. If you would like to recommend any other scooters please do!

One of my main concerns is whether to buy a "less" used, slightly newer model scooter, or to go with a higher mileage, older model year scooter?

I'd be looking to spend $2000 or less.

On the one hand I know the scooter will wear a lot quicker than when used in summer riding (simply because of moisture + salt).
On the other hand though the scooter will be starting and running in Toronto Winter weather as a daily commuter...


Any and all advice welcome, whether it be about mechanics or the general topic of scootering in the winter.

Thank you!
 
I'd get the BW over the Vino.. the vino is tiny.

check out the honda ruckus as well
 
I winter scootered last year and would like to do it again this year, but I had to sell the bike early this year. I used a BWS 50 which was just enough. One thing I learned is anything over 70KPH in -5C was bone chilling and I should have got a windshield for it. 50khp at cold temps was bareable. The 50cc proved to be a good choice for snows days as the back end didn't want to slip out from under me as much. I fear the 125 with the extra weight and power might want to slide a bit more.
Second is layers and don't cheap out on gear. I never really found a decent de-fogger for my visor either.

Have fun!

[video=youtube;ImSVKTROtxM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImSVKTROtxM[/video]
 
killerkeith said:
I winter scootered last year and would like to do it again this year, but I had to sell the bike early this year. I used a BWS 50 which was just enough. One thing I learned is anything over 70KPH in -5C was bone chilling and I should have got a windshield for it. 50khp at cold temps was bareable. The 50cc proved to be a good choice for snows days as the back end didn't want to slip out from under me as much. I fear the 125 with the extra weight and power might want to slide a bit more.
Second is layers and don't cheap out on gear. I never really found a decent de-fogger for my visor either.

Have fun!

[video=youtube;ImSVKTROtxM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImSVKTROtxM[/video]
Click to expand...
]

Do you want another ride? No :(
 
I rode my 1982 sabre v45 all winter, with no windscreen at all.
Wore a light nike snowboard jacket (VERY thin), my leather jacket, shirt, jeans, and long johns. This kept me warm up until -20c, and was fine driving at 100kph around -10c. When the visor would fog, I would leave it open just about 1mm to let enough air in so it would not fog up.

For a scooter, go with the BWS125 or 50, do not wash it and if you do, make sure you melt the ice off after. If anything wipe it with a damp cloth and leave it at that.

Edit: This is my 666th post...lol
 
Last edited:
Does anyone think I'd have starting issues with a 50cc 2 stroke like the bw 50?

Id be commuting from school to home. 50km/h streets max.

As long as it's reliable I don't really care how fast it is...
 
silverbullet132 said:
I rode my 1982 sabre v45 all winter, with no windscreen at all.
Wore a light nike snowboard jacket (VERY thin), my leather jacket, shirt, jeans, and long johns. This kept me warm up until -20c, and was fine driving at 100kph around -10c. When the visor would fog, I would leave it open just about 1mm to let enough air in so it would not fog up.

For a scooter, go with the BWS125 or 50, do not wash it and if you do, make sure you melt the ice off after. If anything wipe it with a damp cloth and leave it at that.

Edit: This is my 666th post...lol
Click to expand...

+1 for not washing...I did that once and had to bring the bike inside the house to thaw out over night,
 
wearelopey said:
Does anyone think I'd have starting issues with a 50cc 2 stroke like the bw 50?

Id be commuting from school to home. 50km/h streets max.

As long as it's reliable I don't really care how fast it is...
Click to expand...

No problems starting mine last winter even when she sat for a couple of weeks when I drove to work.
 
A windshield with hand protection will keep more heat in your digits. Heated grips would be helpful. The less wind to suck your heat away means you will stay warmer. The scooter should have leg shields if possible, to keep dirt and slush off you. The BWS looks like it has good lower body protection.

Everyone has a different tolerance for cold. You really need to ride to find your tolerance.

I would also recommend a reflective vest. The sun comes up later in the day and it gets darker earlier in the day, so many drivers are not too attentive.
 
wearelopey said:
Does anyone think I'd have starting issues with a 50cc 2 stroke like the bw 50?

Id be commuting from school to home. 50km/h streets max.

As long as it's reliable I don't really care how fast it is...
Click to expand...

Nope, the first winter season I rode was on a '84 Honda NQ50 and even that had no problems. Just make sure you keep a charger on the battery over night as the cold is a lot harder on these smaller batteries.
 
Recall lighting a little can of something under the Honda 305 Hawk to warm the oil on some cold days.
Long ago.

Not sure about the BW 50 starting - seems ours was a bit reluctant at times but it has the road presence of a large machine and twin headlights...plus very light and decent storage.
Insurance will be cheaper on the 50cc
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